Pometta English

The letter of Marco Pometta (1911)

Dear Sir

I am still sorry that you could not stay with us longer. I comfort myself however with your promise of a visit in September and I hope that you will stay for a day or so.

I had wanted to write to you at once but I thought it better to wait because I had a favour to ask of you later.

A Jew of Padua is very eager to purchase certain books from our library and they are the very ones of which I sent you the list.

It would indeed be our intention to part with some and possibly all of them but not knowing the price which could fairly be demanded we would ask you to indicate it and favour us with some practical advice, for which we should be most grateful.

If you yourself should then wish to reserve a part of the said rather high grade books we would give you the refusal of them for whatever bid you yourself should judge appropriate. I enclose the photograph of the painting which we wish to sell … it has been valued at several thousand francs and is the work of Piazzetta, though not with certainty.

Please accept the respects of the Reverend Father and of

Your obedient servant

Marco Pometta S.J.